Call me crazy

In eight days, I will have as many as ten four- and five-year-olds in my house. For two hours.

This is our first foray into throwing a birthday party. We've done special snacks at preschool and family gatherings, but never organized an honest-to-goodness cake-and-favors kind of party. We briefly considered it last year, but we were in the middle of all of the evaluations--plus, his class was 25 kids strong and it seemed to be standard practice to invite the whole class. Here, at least, there are nine kids in his class, plus a neighborhood kid or two in the same age range.

The theme was easy to decide: Thomas the Tank Engine. Thomas on everything. Another train cake, gluten free this year. Train-themed games (pin the caboose on the train, follow the engine). Train whistles and stickers to take home.

At least I won't be doing this alone. Trillian and her mother and grandmother all will be on hand. Four adults to direct the chaos and make nice with the parents who stick around.

Of course, I had a moment of panic about the other possibility today as I sent the invitations to school in Scooter's backpack. What if nobody comes? Scooter's not totally worked up about the party at this point, but I think he understands enough to have the general gist of what's been planned. I'm hoping that his status as "new kid" doesn't work against him and actually encourages some parents to send their kids.

In either case, if you don't hear from me after next Wednesday, you can assume I've been committed.